Keeping our Teenager’s Eyes on the Road

Keeping our Teenager’s Eyes on the Road: From GovGab: "Our guest blogger today is Nicholas Worrell, who works for the Communications Office at the National Transportation Safety Board -- working to advocate highway safety across the nation.


Again and again, you’ve heard it on TV, radio, social media networks, newspapers, and from parents and governing authorities. It’s so important that I also want you to hear it from us at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): Teenagers, please keep your eyes on the road and off distracting devices!

I was once a teenager growing up on the beautiful Island of Barbados with white sand, lots of sunshine, and gorgeous beaches. As a teen, I did not have these concerns about driving, but once I arrived in New York City at age sixteen, things swiftly changed. I wanted to drive, but I didn’t know it was such a big responsibility.

I didn’t know that more than 58,000 young people, ages 15 through 20, died in traffic crashes over the past ten years. That’s 110 deaths each week. Sixteen-year-old drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes as older drivers. Most of the passengers who are killed in teen driver crashes are teenagers themselves. Wow! I ask myself, “Why?” Most times it is because of inexperience and immaturity behind the wheel. Teens need time to develop proper driving skills. They often engage in risky behaviors, such as speeding, drinking and driving, talking/ texting on cellular devices, and interacting with other teenage passengers.

This is why the NTSB continues to push for states to enact and strengthen their Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, to include nighttime and passenger restrictions, as well prohibiting the use of cell phones by young drivers. Today, I am a better driver because of the GDL system.

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Parents, it’s up to you to make sure that your aspiring teen driver complies with the GDL provisions and receives the proper education and training. Teenagers, driving is not fun and games, it’s a big responsibility! So put away the phone, reduce your speed, never drive after drinking or using drugs, and always keep your eyes on the road. Take these simple safety steps and you will live to visit that island of sunshine, white sand, and blue waters.








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